ESSENTIALS: School

Hi Beautiful Readers!

So, it is nearing the end of January, and in Australia that means BACK TO SCHOOL for many high school kids! I’ve finished school and have had enough experience to know what can happen at school. You always want to be prepared, so here are my 12 essentials for school!

1. Pocket packets of tissues

Sometimes you might get the sniffles during class, and you don’t want to be that girl that is sniffing every second. Also when you're out for lunch or leaving school, you never know what you might touch or spill. So a pocket packet of tissues is a major must! 

There’s always that one girlfriend that needs a tissue, be her saviour with your tissues 

2. Pads or tampons 

So, this is a must have, because you never know. No need for an explanation. 

Like tissues, you will always have a girlfriend that needs one. 

3. Sanitiser 

School is a place where it is infested with germs! It’s better to be clean and safe. You always want to be clean when at school, to prevent any contractions of diseases or sickness. 

Some schools don’t actually have any liquid soap in their bathrooms, so it will be more cleaner to have your sanitiser ready before you have lunch or snack.

4. Hair ties and bobby pins

Have these laying around in your pencil case, pocket, wrists etc. This is a major essential because it might be a hot day, or you have sports or maybe you have a science experiment where it is a safety precaution. You will need to tie up your hair, and it is better to be prepared instead of being that girl asking other students for a hair tie and if failing then resulting to a rubber band.  OUCH !! !@#?

Also if your hair is just not having it, you can always chuck it in a bun and pin your bangs or fringe back and still look cute!

5. Deodorant

After sports class, you might be a little sweaty from running, so deodorant is extremely important! Depending on your school restrictions, you might have to use a roll on deodorant because aerosol deodorants cans may be banned. 

You don’t want to be that stinky girl in a humid classroom, so stay fresh with some deodorant. (PLEASE DON’T SUBSTITUTE PERFUME FOR DEODORANT, YES THERE IS A DIFFERENCE)

6. Lip balm

Sometimes, your lips can get chapped if its cold, so lip balm can easily fix that. Also, if your eyebrows are going crazy and have hairs going everywhere, just apply some lip balm with your fingers to tame them and tidy them! (Beauty hack!!)

7. Extra pair of Socks!!

If you’re an Australian student, chances are you wear a uniform and probably wear leather school shoes. Those shoes are so easy to break with wear and tear. So if you step in a puddle, guess who’s going home with wet feet? To avoid this, an extra pair of socks in your bag will be great to have for the ‘just in case moments’ and even for after sports classes, if you want to change into something more fresh and clean.

8. Umbrella 

If you live in Melbourne, then you would know that the weather is out of control. It could be sunny at 12:00pm and then thunderstorms with hail at 12:08pm! So be prepared with an umbrella, especially if you travel by public transport or walk home.

9. Water Bottle

You gotta stay hydrated at school to keep your concentration up! A 700ml bottle is great to bring around to classes and should be easy to fill up. (optional, a bottle with BPI is recomended, because plastic bottles can be toxic. and also maybe a drink bottle with a handle for easy carry— up to you) GREEN IS MY MESSAGE TO YOU

If you don’t like the idea of carrying around your bottle, you could always get a drink at drinking fountains, but do be frequent.

10. Mints

Now, I say mints and not gum, because schools are quite strict on chewing gum during class. Having mints with you will make sure you have that fresh breath, especially after lunch or if you were running late in the morning and forgot to brush your teeth, mints are your next best option.

11. Contact case and solution

If you are a contact lens wearer, then having a spare contact case and solution is a must have. Your eyes could be irritated or in need of rest, so having these will relieve your eyes, just make sure your hands are clean and you are at a clean area to take your contacts out. Having spare glasses will also be good to have in your locker.

12. Loose change

Sometimes there are those days were you forget everything, so having some loose change in a small purse pouch will be your saviour! Have a couple dollars available for when you forget your train or bus pass, or even if you forget your lunch! Better to be safe than sorry!

Hope you all have a tremendous school year, and stay safe, clean and study hard for 2015!!

p.s hope you all like the gifs :D

So stay tuned on beautewithj.blogspot.com.au to keep up with me and read about my appreciation for beauty. 

REVIEW: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Hi Beautiful Readers!

Here are my thoughts on the great NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Claims:

- Long wearing

- Crease proof

- Luxurious textures

- Luminous finish

- Lightweight and buildable 

- Creates softer, smoother complexion, while covering imperfections, diminishing  fine lines and signs of fatigue

 I really do believe that this concealer is one of the best purchases I made in 2014.

The Radiant Creamy Concealer supports the claim of long wearing and being crease proof. When applied on correctly, the concealer does cover up the dark circles under my eyes. Even after a long day, whether it was hot or cold, the concealer seems to stay on well and would not have creased during the day.

I’d say to apply the concealer with your ring finger to help warm up the product and to have a better application.

I believe that this concealer is best when when applied under eye to cover up dark circles. My recommendation for this products is to use it after applying your foundation. To make sure you don’t have the feel of heavy makeup on, try to use your foundation to cover up as much as blemishes as you can. If there are still signs of your dark circles, thats when you go in with the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. It works well with your foundation to cover up your blemishes. 

before applying, after applied & after 8 hours

The only thing that I did find annoying about the product is, when covering blemishes and darker skin around my mouth and nose, it didn't hold for the whole day. So for me skin and complexion, it was best used for my severe dark under eyes. This may be because of sweat and eating, but there were no signs of it being on.

Overall I really did love this concealer, and it was a great cover up for my dark circles. The consistency, feel and application is all time 10/10!!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!

A great dupe for the NARS radiant creamy concealer is the Maybelline Fit me concealer which is more than half the price!

So stay tuned on beautewithj.blogspot.com.au to keep up with me and read about my appreciation for beauty. 

REVIEW : The Original Beauty Blender

Hi Beautiful Readers!

Here are my thoughts on the astonishing BEAUTY BLENDER!! 

photo courtesy of http://www.beautyandbadtaste.com/ 

The Beauty Blender claims:
- Professional, flawless complexion
- Won't waste makeup 
- Won't leave visible streaks
- Accesses hard to reach areas 
- Fits contours of the face

Overall, I do quite enjoy the Beauty Blender, but from experience, I do believe that it may be only used for certain things when applying makeup. 

My response to the claims are that, YES, the Beauty Blender does not leave visible streaks and can access the hard to reach areas of the face, but thats about it. 
It does claim that it creates a professional, flawless complexion, but I don't feel that way when using the tool. I tend to get patches of foundations and clear skin, as the sponge does absorb the foundation. 
Although, I will say that the Beauty Blender is best used when applying concealer to the under eye region and around the nose. Using the tip of the Beauty Blender is best for this region, and is not too harsh for the delicate skin around the eye area. If you do want to apply a foundation with the Beauty Blender, it is best to use a dabbing motion with the bottom flat end of the tool.

The thing about the Beauty Blender is that cleaning it has become a HASSLE! 
Since it is a sponge, you must clean it quite frequent as it does absorb up a lot of bacteria from your face, makeup and where it is kept.

The Beauty Blender is best used when DAMP/WET! This is because, when the sponge has absorbed water, it won't absorb the makeup as much. So before applying your foundation or concealer, I'd recommend to soak the sponge, wring it out and then you're ready to go. (Make sure it is not dripping wet!!)

Another thing that boggles my mind is the PRICE of the Beauty Blender! On the official Beauty Blender website, it is listed at $19.95 for the original Beauty Blender. I honestly believe that is quite high! And I will admit that cheaper dupes for $5 are just as great as the $20 original! 

Overall the Beauty Blender is a wonderful product, but I wouldn't use it for anything other than my concealer.

So stay tuned on beautewithj.blogspot.com.au to keep up with me and read about my appreciation for beauty. 

2015 GOALS

Hi Beautiful Readers!

It's already a couple days in the year, and I think I know what I will be fighting and reaching for this year. Since I completed school, I want to focus on my health and my family.
I am already more than grateful for all the things that I have. I thank my parents for putting a roof over my head, food on my plate and giving me the love and support that I need. 

This year, I want to show them that I am more then capable to take on the world of adulthood and responsibility. 

My beauty goals (WISH LIST) for 2015:

My shopping list (Australian prices):

Face:

MAC: 

Prep and Prime fix + $27

Pro Long wear concealer $32

Mineralize skin finish (cheeky bronze) $47

Anastasia Beverly Hills:

Contour Kit $89

Australis:

Make up finishing spritz $15

NARS:

Sheer glow or matte $60

Blush $40

Highlighting blush $39

STILA:

All day bronzer $38

Benefit:

Dandelion $45

Too Faced:

Chocolate soleil matte bronzer $44

EYE:

Lorac:

Front of the line $36

Two Faced:

Better than Sex $29

Smashbox:

limitless liquid liner pen $29

BROWS:

Anastasia beverly Hills:

Dipbrow pomade $39

Australis:

Tint my brow $10

Benefit:

Gimme Brow Brow $36

LIPS:

MAC:

pure heroine $36

creme d nude $36

midmuave $36

lickable $36

girl about town $36

russian red $36

all fired up $36

plink $36

brave $36

Merh $36
TWO FACED (melted lips):
melted berry $36
melted fig $36
melted velvet $36
melted frosting $36

BRUSHES:

Real Techniques:

Blush Brush $16

Expert face brush $16

Setting brush $16

SIGMA:

Mr Bunny Black travel kit $95

VERA MONA:

Colour Switch Solo $26

PALETTES

Urban Decay:

Naked 2 $85

Naked Basics $50

STILA:

In the light eyeshadow palette $52

In the moment eyeshadow palette $52

LORAC:

Lorac pro palette $75

Two Faced:

Chocolate bar $65

HAIR:
NuMe:
Signature Dryer $169

Australian prices make me wanna cry!

Each one of these products have had so much raved about them, so I want to set the goal to at least try some of these this year. Do comment if you believe any of these products are not worth the hype.

Other goals I want to set for my self:

- Remember to exfoliate more often

- Keep nail polish maintained

- Give more treatments to hair

- Don’t dye hair too often

- Sleeping more to treat dark circles

- Have at least two days of no makeup a week to let my skin breathe

- Drink more green tea and water

- Eat more tomatoes
- Extend dog walks to 1 hour

- Try and save money??? haha :/

- AND KEEP MY BLOG GOING!!

So stay tuned on beautewithj.blogspot.com.au to keep up with me and read about my appreciation for beauty. 

ESSENTIALS: Beach

Hi Beautiful Readers!

So its about half way through summer in Australia, and well summer in Australia wouldn't be complete without trips to the beach!

Here are 10 essentials for a fun and safe day at the beach!

1. LARGE BEACH TOWEL

Of course you have to bring a towel, but to make it easy for you, I'd propose to bring a larger one, with a sizing of approx. 80cm x 170cm (32" x 63"). If you want to relax and lay in the sun, the larger towel will keep the sand off you, especially when getting out of the water!

my acclaim: SHERIDAN JOSE BEACH TOWEL $20

2. CUTE BEACH TOTE BAG

When going to the beach, you need to bring many essentials, and why not bring them in style?
A cute, colourful beach tote is not only an essential in your wardrobe, but a major essential for the beach of course! When picking a bag for the beach, you need one that will be able to fit your giant towel, as well clothes, sunscreen, water etc. This beach tote will basically hold your life during you trip to the beach.

my acclaim: SPORTSGIRL CANVAS PRINTED TOTE WITH CONTRAST ROPE HANDLE $40

3. SUN PROTECTION

If you live in Australia, you would know that the Australian sun is HARSH, and when under it for a long period, it will BURN YOU!!! So of course, don't forget your sunscreen and zinc! I highly suggest to bring a sunscreen and zinc with a SPF of 50. Also if you love tanning under the sun, I would urge you to use a tanning oil with SPF 50, and apply it before sunscreen. Apply your tanning oil first, let it oxidise on your skin, and then proceed with sunscreen and zinc! Always apply before leaving the house, upon arriving and periodically every couple hours. STAY PROTECTED!

my acclaim: NIVEA ULTRA BEACH PROTECT SUNSCREEN SPF 50+ LOTION $18

4. BEACH WEAR!

The beach wouldn't be complete without cute swim wear and summer clothes! So have your bikini ready, with your shorts and t-shirt if you want, have your thongs (sandals) and slip on dress ready!
If you're the type of person that is too lazy to change, the easy method that I have found is wearing a slip on dress to the beach (or even a loose maxi is good), where you can take it off easily. When you are ready, make sure that both you and swimming wear are dry, and just slip on your dress. This is really helpful, especially when it is a busy day at the beach! Your thongs are also a must have, I mean who wants to get sand in their sneakers! YUCK!!

my acclaim: SEAFOLLY SWEET TALK DRESS $130

5. SUNGLASSES AND HAT!

Protect yourself from the glaring sun with UV protected sunglasses and of course a cute floppy hat. If you are going to lay in the sun, you must protect your eyes and skin. The skin on your face is very delicate, and you must protect it from the sun's rays to prevent sunburn!

my acclaim: COTTON ON WENDY WIDE BRIM HAT $20

6. LIPBALM!

Just like the rest of the skin on your body, you need to protect your lips. Using a lip balm with SPF 30 should be great to keep them hydrated and moisturised!

my acclaim: NIVEA SUN PROTECT SPF 30+ LIP BALM $5

7. WATER!

The heat is quite grim on your body, so always stay hydrated during the summer, especially when at the beach, under the sun. Bringing a 1 litre bottle should be fine for the day. There should also be drinking fountains near by.

8. WET WIPES ( OR BABY WIPES)!

You never know what you might accidentally touch when you're out. Better to be safe than sorry. Another alternative to wet wipes would be hand sanitiser.

my acclaim: KMART ANTIBACTERIAL WIPES $3

9. CAMERA!

The beach is always filled with so many fun moments and memories, so don't forget to capture them with your camera. Even using your phone camera is fine. For an instant printed picture, bring along a polaroid! They are coming back in style and are more cheaper to purchase!

my acclaim: FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 8 CAMERA $99

10. FRIENDS FRIENDS FRIENDS!

...and of course you can't forget your girlfriends! Spend time with your mates, create memories, have fun splashing water and don't forget to capture those moments!

Have fun at the beach, protected and safe!

So stay tuned on beautewithj.blogspot.com.au to keep up with me and read about my appreciation for beauty. 

Introductions

Hi Beautiful Readers!

So my name is Janet and I have a great interest in beauty. 

I love all things from makeup to lifestyle to fashion. 

My blog will basically explore beauty and hopefully help others questioning products or anything like that.

So stay tuned on beautewithj.blogspot.com.au to keep up with me and read about my appreciation for beauty.